So I stopped packing.

Special thanks to HireAHelper for sponsoring this post! HireAHelper is a nationwide marketplace where you can compare and book local movers to help you pack, load and unload your moving truck or container.

Here are 100+ different things you can declutter while packing for your next move.

Furniture

Furniture is by far the bulkiest thing you’ll move. It may cost far more to move a couch or large bed than it would to replace it on the other side.

Plus, you may find that you don’t have enough room in your new place or that you’re happier with new items. You’ll save money on the move AND have fresh new furniture.

Clothing

Now is the perfect time to unload all the clothing you never wear. Research shows that we wear about 20% of our clothing 80% of the time. That means you can safely declutter up to 80% of your wardrobe!

So be brave and unload all those worn out items, the clothing you’ve been holding on to for a special occasion that hasn’t materialized or when you lose those 10 pounds.

Tools

Most tools are either heavy or bulky or both! And this is a category that you may be able to sell if you have the time.

Includes: saws, drills, clamps, sanders, and a million other things

Construction supplies

Who doesn’t have a stash of leftover lumber or paint at home? These things are usually not worth moving. An easy way to get rid of these things is to set them out on the curb and place a notice on your local Freecycle group.

Includes: wood, trim, paint, spackle, insulation, etc.

Holiday decorations

If you’ve collected a lot of holiday decor, why not pass most of it on and keep just the family favorites?

Electronic gadgets

Who doesn’t have an old computer or printer collecting dust in the basement? There’s no need to keep (and pack) these things when you can usually have them recycled for free! Check with your local office supply store to see if they recycle electronics and free up that space.

Sports equipment

Now’s the time to be honest if you’re going to use those golf clubs, the ski equipment, or the basketball hoop. Moving to a new home is a fresh start and it’s often easier to make these decisions at this time.

Fish tanks and other pet supplies

Do you have an aquarium or rabbit cage collecting dust in the basement? Sure, it cost “good money” but it will take more of that money to find space in a moving truck.

So if it’s empty now, you’ll probably not need it in your new place.

Large artwork

If you take a close look at the artwork on your walls, you might find some pieces that don’t suit your taste any more (or that you really never liked to begin with!)

Toys

Oh the toys! Some kids want to hold on to every dollar store treasure they ever got. But it’s important in life to be able to let go of things and toys do have a lifespan.

It’s OK to tell kids they need to pick their 3 favorite stuffed animals or cut their truck collection in half. Help them understand it’ll be easier to clean up with fewer toys and some other child will be excited to have what they no longer need.

Trophies

My kids’ sports trophies seem to get bigger every year! And while they are fun to receive, kids don’t tend to enjoy them much later on.

Take some photos and declutter trophies without guilt.

Area rugs

New area rugs are an easy way to freshen up your new home. Save your back and space in the truck by giving away rugs before you move.

Pianos and other musical instruments

If you have a piano that sits unused, this may be a very difficult thing to declutter. It took 4 burly men to move our piano up a flight of stairs.

And unfortunately that piano is now just a giant paperweight. I wish I’d bit the bullet and sold the piano before we moved.

Knick-knacks

While you may have some treasured knick-knacks, you might also have quite a collection that no longer appeals to you. These things require extra care when packing and unless you keep a very clean house, they collect dust.

Do yourself a favor and declutter as much as possible.

Includes: figurines, vases, pitchers, pictures, etc.

Kitchen gear

This is another type of item that tends to be under-used. And these things are also difficult to pack.

Pile all those unused items in a box and drop them at the thrift store.

Plants

Unless you’re moving locally, plants are very hard to transport. There’s the dirt factor, plus, how are you supposed to pack them? Give them to a good home and pick a few new plants for your new place.

Moving to a new home is an exciting time!

Ease the stress, save tons of time AND money and lighten your load by decluttering as much as possible before you move.

Thanks again to HireAHelper for sponsoring this post!

HireAHelper is a nationwide marketplace where you can compare and book local movers to help you pack, load and unload your moving truck or container. If you’re moving and want to learn about a Hybrid Move, check out HireAHelper.

Comments

This is a great list! Thanks for sharing! We bought and sold a fixer upper last year, but I still don’t think we decluttered enough. We’re looking to buy again so hopefully I can go through everything once and for all!! 🙂

Thank you, I recently moved and thought I decluttered but realized since we have not unpacked everything how easy it is to live with less. So I’ll be decluttering again as I move back into my new home.

Thank you, I recently moved and thought I decluttered but realized since we have not unpacked everything how easy it is to live with less. So I’ll be decluttering again as I move back into my new home.

YES my goal this month during packing is some massive decluttering! moving to a small duplex from a large home will be creative 🙂
We sold our home so quick and now we rent until we find the perfect home to buy ,

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